News Summary
The Town of Bluffton is preparing for an action-packed summer with a series of events designed for community engagement. Highlights include the 4th Annual Slide out of July at Buckwalter Place Park with water activities, games, and food. The Clementa Pinckney Foundation’s Annual Bookbag Giveaway aims to support local students with essential school supplies. Concurrently, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office will host a Back to School Bash featuring family-friendly activities. Additionally, the Historic Beaufort Foundation will celebrate local heritage through various educational programs.
Bluffton, SC: Exciting Summer Events Coming Up
The Town of Bluffton is gearing up for a summer full of fun and community engagement with several events scheduled for July 19, 2023. Among the highlights is the 4th Annual Slide out of July event, taking place from 9 a.m. until noon at Buckwalter Place Park, located at 20 Carecore Drive, Bluffton. This family-friendly event promises an array of activities including water slides, video games projected on a Jumbotron, lawn games, music, and food available for purchase. The entrance is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring bathing suits to enjoy the water activities.
On the same day, the Clementa Pinckney Foundation will hold its Annual Bookbag Giveaway from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 6750 Tillman Highway, Ridgeland. The foundation aims to support local students by providing bookbags filled with school supplies. Snacks and refreshments will be available on-site to enhance the experience for families attending the giveaway.
Additionally, the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office in collaboration with Project Reach Out will host a Back to School Bash concurrently at Harold Turpin Park in Ridgeland, also from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.. This festive event will include giveaways of school supplies, music, food, and various engaging activities for children and families, creating a lively atmosphere focused on the upcoming school year.
In other community news, the Inaugural Lavern G. Lawyer Golf Tournament, organized by The Legacy Foundation of South Carolina, will take place at the Golf Club at Hilton Head Lakes in Hardeeville. Proceeds from this event are designated to fund educational experiences for students in Jasper County, further emphasizing the importance of supporting local education.
Upcoming Fourth of July Celebrations
The Fourth of July celebrations in Beaufort County promise to be spectacular, featuring a range of events throughout the holiday weekend. One of the key highlights will be the Salute from the Shore Military Flyover at 1 p.m. on July 4, visible from various locations along the coast. Additionally, the Firecracker 5K Run & Family Fun Walk will start at 8 a.m. on July 4 at Honey Horn Park, encouraging physical activity while celebrating the holiday.
The Harbour Town Fourth of July Parade will kick off with registration at 8:30 a.m. and the parade commencing at 9:30 a.m.. Families can also enjoy the Frosty Frog Hot Dog Eating Contest starting at 11 a.m. in Coligny Plaza. The day will conclude with the HarbourFest Fireworks & Entertainment, beginning at 6:30 p.m., culminating in a dazzling fireworks display at dusk.
Over at Fripp Island, residents and visitors can partake in a variety of Fourth of July festivities including a Golf Cart Parade at 9 a.m. on July 4, with no cost for attendance. The Independence Day 5K event will take place a day earlier at 9 a.m. on July 3, and fireworks will be launched over the beach starting at dusk on July 4.
Historical Celebrations and Educational Programs
The Historic Beaufort Foundation is organizing activities in honor of the Lafayette Bicentennial with lectures, exhibits, and a recreation of Lafayette’s arrival on March 18. The celebrations will also feature a Dancing with Lafayette ball, alongside various historical presentations that aim to engage the community with local heritage.
Families can also participate in educational history programs organized by the Hampton County Sheriff’s Office, which encourages community involvement in learning about the region’s past. To stay updated on all local events and activities, the community can refer to the Lowcountry Calendar of Events that provides extensive coverage of happenings in the area.
With these vibrant events scheduled for July, Bluffton, Ridgeland, and the surrounding areas are set to provide engaging opportunities for families and individuals of all ages to come together, celebrate their community, and learn more about their local history.
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Additional Resources
- Augusta Chronicle: Lowcountry Community Calendar
- Island Packet: Local News
- Your Island News: Beaufort County July 4 Celebrations
- Explore Beaufort SC: Lafayette Bicentennial Events
- Island Packet: Local News
- Wikipedia: Beaufort, South Carolina
- Google Search: Beaufort County events
- Google Scholar: Community events in South Carolina
- Encyclopedia Britannica: South Carolina
- Google News: Lowcountry events

Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.

